Safety in Peru
General information on crime, protests, natural hazards, and health. Peru remains a strong travel destination, yet in practice, there are clear safety differences by region, time of day, and mode of transport.
Peru remains a strong travel destination, yet in practice, there are clear safety differences by region, time of day, and mode of transport. This page compiles general information on crime, demonstrations, natural hazards, altitude, health, and traffic. The focus is on concrete, easily implementable measures.
At a Glance
Crime and typical schemes
A focus is on large cities, public transport, bus stations, shopping streets, and markets. There is also an increased risk in peripheral areas and at night, even in tourist-known districts of individual cities.
Where the risk increases
- City centers in the evening, busy squares, markets, and nightlife areas
- Bus stations, transfers, queues, and crowds
- Taxi transfers, especially with unlicensed providers
- Overland travel at night on certain routes
- Airport transfers, especially with spontaneous or unofficial providers
Typical schemes
- Pickpocketing: distraction, crowding, teamwork
- Robbery: often quick, sometimes with weapons, resistance increases risk
- Express kidnappings: forced cash withdrawal at ATMs
- Date rape drugs: risk in bars and clubs with unsupervised drinks
- Internet contact fraud: building trust, later demands for courier services or money
Protective measures
- Close-to-body transport: money and cards separate, small daily wallet, rest in safe
- Document security: digital copies of passport, insurance, tickets, emergency contacts
- Taxi selection: use official or referred providers, no spontaneous street taxis
- Drink rule: no unsupervised drinks, no acceptance from strangers
- Evening planning: well-lit paths, groups instead of solo outings, return trip organized beforehand
- Lima Airport: secure pickup via licensed providers in the arrival area
Tourist Police Lima, Policía de Turismo: Calle General Vidal 230, Tel. +511 4601060 / 4600849 / 4600921
Protests, strikes and blockades
Protests remain difficult to predict. Blockades can affect roads, railway connections, and access roads to airports, sometimes with little prior warning. In such situations, distance, patience, and flexible travel planning are more important than rigid schedules.
Typical situations
Main roads, railway connections, airport access roads, border crossings, or central city squares can be affected. The situation can change rapidly locally, especially if political, social, or economic conflicts escalate.
Impact on travel
- Interruptions of long-distance bus lines, closures of main roads
- Disruptions of train connections, also on touristically relevant axes in the south
- Restrictions at land borders due to strikes or security measures
- Additional controls, detours, or longer waiting times
Sensible reaction
- Distance from crowds and demonstrations
- Re-planning instead of driving through, no attempt to force through barriers
- Buffer times at each stage, especially before flights and onward journeys
- Information sources from accommodation, reputable providers, and local authorities
Regions with increased risk
Some border and inland regions may exhibit increased risks due to organized crime, poor infrastructure, or limited assistance. For classic tourist routes, the risk situation is usually different from that of remote border, river, or jungle areas.
Typical risk drivers
- Organized crime and drug trafficking in individual border and river zones
- Weaker infrastructure and limited assistance in remote areas
- Armed incidents and robberies on certain routes, sometimes at night
- Blockades or delays in river traffic on remote river routes
Amazon and boat tours
An increased risk exists sporadically along certain river sections. A tour with established providers, clear route planning, and group organization are considered a robust basis. In Iquitos, jungle excursions should generally be booked through official agencies.
Natural Hazards and Weather
Peru is located in a seismically active zone. Additionally, the rainy season in the highlands and transitional regions can lead to landslides and floods. In volcanic regions, ash, closures, or local restrictions can play a role.
- Rainy Season: often December to March, depending on source and region, also broadly November to May
- Mountain Routes: additional travel times, alternative routes, and flexible bookings
- Warning System: pay attention to local warnings, closures, and provider advisories
More weather background is available on the page Climate in Peru.
Health: Altitude, Mosquitoes, Vaccinations
Health planning in Peru strongly depends on the route, altitude, and duration of travel. Important are a calm acclimatization in the Andes, consistent mosquito protection in lower warm regions, and timely medical advice before the trip.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Andean regions are often significantly above 2,500 meters. A slow ascent, rest on the first day, sufficient hydration, and a moderate pace reduce the risk of altitude sickness. In case of severe symptoms, medical clarification is advisable; in serious cases, rapid descent is the most important measure.
Mosquito Protection and Tropical Risks
In lower elevations east of the Andes, mosquito-borne diseases occur. Consistent mosquito protection with repellent, long clothing, and a mosquito net is one of the most important components.
Malaria in Peru, general orientation
- Transmission hotspots: below 2,500 meters east of the Andes, including Amazon areas and cities such as Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado
- No transmission area: Lima, Arequipa, Ica, Nazca, Puno, Tacna, as well as highland destinations such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca
Vaccinations and Prevention
Yellow Fever, general orientation
A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain areas below 2,300 meters. For stays above this altitude, including Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail, it is described as not recommended in official advisories. However, proof of vaccination may still be required when traveling to a third country.
Plant Medicine and Ceremonies
One safety aspect concerns substances like Ayahuasca, San Pedro, or Kambo. Reports of serious illnesses, deaths, assaults, and thefts exist, especially in uncontrolled settings. Sober risk assessment and the choice of reputable, formally registered structures reduce dangers, but it does not remain a zero-risk option.
Important: Travel health insurance with medical evacuation is particularly sensible for Peru, as medical care outside of Lima and in remote regions can be significantly limited.
Traffic and Mobility
Chaotic traffic is part of everyday life in many cities. An increased accident risk affects interurban routes, especially on mountain roads and at night. Strikes, weather, or road closures can also temporarily restrict passenger traffic at short notice.
Robust transport decisions
- Daytime travel: focus on daytime journeys, reduction of night travel Bus choice: larger providers and fixed terminals instead of spontaneous departures
- Taxi: official companies or booking through accommodation, no street pickups
- Passport copy: For domestic Peruvian flights and bus trips, an identification document or a copy may be required
Route to Machu Picchu
Train travel as a frequently safer alternative to certain bus and dirt road routes.
More details are on the page Transport in Peru.
Checklist for Safe Days in Peru
- Documents: digital copies, separate storage, emergency numbers readily available
- Money: small cash reserve, cards separate, larger valuables in the safe
- Mobility: avoid night travel, buffer times before flights, alternative routes planned
- Environment: avoid outlying areas and risky zones, short and organized evening routes
- Demonstrations: maintain distance from gatherings, do not pass blockades
- Health: altitude acclimatization, mosquito protection in the lowlands, travel insurance with repatriation
- Crisis preparedness: registration on a crisis preparedness list, contact details of your representation
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Which places are considered to have a particularly high risk of theft?
There is an increased likelihood in crowded situations such as markets, bus stations, public transport, and in busy city centers and entertainment areas. An additional risk factor concerns nighttime and poorly lit paths.
What is the appropriate reaction to protests and road blockades?
A safe strategy consists of distance, re-planning, and patience. Attempting to overcome blockades increases the risk of escalation. Time buffers and alternative routes reduce stress.
Is Machu Picchu located in a high-risk area?
Official advisories demarcate certain risk zones. Machu Picchu and nearby tourist destinations around Cusco are explicitly mentioned in such classifications as being outside certain affected sub-areas.
What are the most common health risks?
Altitude sickness in Andean regions and mosquito-borne diseases in lower, warmer areas play a role. The focus is therefore on altitude acclimatization, hydration, and consistent mosquito protection.
Which type of transport is considered the most reliable?
A general answer depends on the route and season. Daytime travel, established providers, and train travel on heavily frequented tourist routes are often considered a more stable choice than improvised night travel and side routes.
How should I behave in case of local restrictions?
For travelers, this primarily means: observe local advisories, avoid demonstrations, plan flexible time buffers, and follow instructions from accommodation, organizers, or authorities.
Sources
- German Federal Foreign Office: Peru Travel and Security Advice
- GOV.UK FCDO: Peru Travel Advice, Safety and Security, Regional Risks
- U.S. Department of State: Peru Travel Advisory, Safety and Security
- CDC Travelers' Health: Peru, information on malaria, yellow fever, and health
- CDC Yellow Book: Peru, altitude, malaria, and yellow fever classification